How to Buy Sustainable and Ethical Art Prints

Keeping your values into consideration when shopping for artwork is a straightforward way of building an art collection that resonates with you. By purchasing sustainable and ethical art pieces from DROOL for your gallery wall, for instance, you’re curating an exhibit of your conscious choice and actively supporting positive practices in the art community. 

 

On top of putting together a visual representation of your values and beliefs, the act of buying ethically and sustainably made art prints benefits a lot of people. It directly sustains the livelihood of the artist, rewards fair practices in the art community, showcases the vibrancy of the art scene in your area, and contributes to the protection of the environment. As a buyer, you also get to know the story behind each of the pieces in your collection. To enjoy all these advantages and to be able to shop for pieces that are aligned with your standards, check out these steps. 

 

Purchase from Sources That Support the Art Community

 

 

One of the ways to directly show your support to the art community is to purchase from online platforms, shops, and galleries that have a clear mission to promote and uplift artists at the grassroots. These sources often provide fair compensation to local and independent talents, allowing them to sustain their creative practices and push their craft forward. 

 

This is our mission at DROOL. Our contemporary art prints shop is founded on the idea of emboldening early-career creative talents to develop their craft. We do this by producing and selling fine-quality art prints on behalf of our artists, thus unburdening them with the risks and overhead costs that come with these activities. This practice benefits buyers as well, as it allows first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike to access unique contemporary art at reasonable prices.

 

Buy from Art Print Shops That Use FSC-Approved Paper Products

 

 

On top of directly supporting artists, many buyers are also eager to express their concern for the environment through their choices in artworks. They do this by purchasing works of art from sources that make use of paper that adhere to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) guidelines. The FSC is an international non-profit organisation that sets standards for responsible forest management. It is concerned about sourcing timber products in ways that protect biodiversity, prevent deforestation, and respect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. Meanwhile, FSC-approved paper products meet the stringent environmental and social standards of the said organisation. This means that every step of the paper production process—from logging to manufacturing—meets high ethical and ecological criteria.

 

Choosing to buy art prints from shops that use FSC-approved paper means that you are adding a unique item that has a lower environmental impact to your art collection. At DROOL, we’re proud to use FSC-approved paper when printing unique contemporary works of art. Our choice of paper products is a reflection of our commitment to quality and sustainability while supporting artists and bringing high-quality works of art closer to buyers. 

 

Purchase Art Prints That Are Printed with Eco-Inks

 

 

In addition to FSC-approved paper, we also use eco-inks at DROOL. Eco-inks are a sustainable alternative to traditional inks that offer similar quality and durability while being less harmful to the environment. These inks are often made from natural, renewable resources such as soy or vegetable oils, which significantly reduce the use of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Compared to conventional inks, eco-inks have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to both the environment and human health.

 

Art prints made with eco-inks maintain high standards of quality, ensuring that colours remain vibrant and the print's integrity is preserved over time. By choosing DROOL prints made with eco-inks, you are supporting a more sustainable printing industry. Your purchase, in turn, helps not only to reduce pollution and waste but also to encourage more businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. 

 

Choose Art Print Shops That Produce Made-to-Order Prints

 

 

Made-to-order art print shops like DROOL offer a sustainable model by eliminating overstock and waste. Unlike mass production, adopting a made-to-order process ensures that each print is created only when an order is placed. This reduces the likelihood of excess inventory that might eventually end up in landfills. Additionally, by printing orders only after they have been placed, DROOL is able to offer customisation options like handmade framing, a service that allows buyers like you to personalise your art in a meaningful way.

 

Get Prints from Local or Close-By Art Print Shops

 

 

Transporting art across long distances involves significant carbon emissions from vehicles, planes, or ships. In contrast, purchasing prints from local or nearby art print shops is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint. By choosing local sources, you can cut down on these transportation-related emissions, contributing to a greener planet. Additionally, buying locally often means faster delivery times and lower shipping costs, making it a convenient option as well. 

 

While DROOL may not have a branch in every major city, we make an effort to bring the production of contemporary art prints closer to buyers like you by printing orders in our print labs in the UK, US, Europe, and Australia. This setup allows customers from these locations to reduce their carbon footprint and get their prints as quickly as possible. 

 

Turn your art collection into a reflection of your commitment to sustainability and ethical consumption. Shop at DROOL today for unique art prints and posters that sustain emerging artists and the vibrant community that continues to inspire them.